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Letter: Thyroid Cancer Real, Can Recur

September is Thyroid Cancer Month and yes, it’s real. Thyroid cancer has had the fastest increase of any cancer in recent years. It affects people of all ages, from young children to seniors. More than two-thirds of the people with thyroid cancer are women.

I remember, when I was first diagnosed in 2005, that everyone told me thyroid cancer was the best cancer to have (if you are going to have cancer). When found early, thyroid cancer is usually treatable. But even when treatable, thyroid cancer is life disrupting, expensive and stressful for patients and loved ones. I underwent a thyroidectomy that September and thought that was all there was to that.

But tumor recurrence is common, affecting 20 percent to 35 percent of patients with the disease. Recurrence can occur any time, even decades after initial therapy. In January 2008, I found out that my thyroid cancer had recurred. In July, a modified radical neck dissection for metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma was performed.

Tiny right central neck lymph nodules were identified at the time of the surgery but were too small to biopsy. So, it is these nodules that are being watched at this time. If you have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, it is very important to schedule follow-up visits with your endocrinologist.

The key to early detection is to get a neck check. It’s that simple. Next time you see your doctor, ask for a neck check.

For more information about thyroid cancer, go to www.thyca.org. Founded in 1995, Thyroid Cancer Survivors Association serves patients, families, medical professionals and the public around the world.